Q:

What can I do to help my neuropathy? The past few days my legs have been hurting more than normal. They aren't swollen, but when I'm on my feet even just to go to the bathroom they will begin to turn purplish, and if I stay on my feet they stay purplish. It's not as dark as when my ankles swell up but it's still noticeable.
Thanks, Melissa

A:

When feet turn purple it can be a sign of peripheral vascular disease or “PVD.” PVD is caused by a build-up of plaque in the large arteries supplying blood flow to your feet and lower legs. PVD is more common in people with diabetes and in people who smoke. The feet turn a purplish color because they are not getting enough oxygenated blood. It is very important for you to tell your doctor about this, because special tests can be done to determine how well the blood is flowing to your feet. If blood flow is restricted, sometimes surgery will be recommended to open up the arteries and restore the normal blood flow. Smoking also restricts blood flow to the extremities, so if you smoke, try to stop, and make sure to check your feet every day for sores, cuts, increased redness or open sores. If you see anything on your feet that is worrisome to you, let your doctor know right away.

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